Anyone above the age of 18 who does not pose a danger to others can be licensed to carry a firearm. There are different reasons that would prompt someone to carry a firearm. The main reason is the need for security.

Firearm carrying and prohibitions

While owning a firearm is legal, the rules and regulations surrounding carrying and storage of firearms vary from state to state. Some states require that the handgun or pistol remain unloaded and carried in the trunk of the car. Any one carrying needs to know the different regulations in interstate transportation as being ignorant of the rules could lead to hefty fines or even legal action. In addition to this, there are places where one cannot carry a firearm. These places include: the post office, a courthouse, educational facilities and church among others. Avoiding these places altogether is not possible. Any firearm holder therefore has to have a solid storage plan in the car whenever they have to visit such places.

Gun safety

It is not advisable or even legal in some states to have a firearm in the glove compartment of the car. Such storage makes it easy for burglars to steal the pistol as it is easily accessible. Keeping a gun safe in a car also moves it out of reach for children and anyone else who may be riding in the car. There is a need for better storage and this is commonly achieved through buying and installing a gun safe in the car.

Types of gun safes

There are different types of safes that one can use in the car. A console safe is one of the more popular safes in the market. It is installed into the cavity of the console. No one except the owner knows that it is there. For this type of safe, installation is done through bolting the safe into place. It is not portable but it is out of sight once the console lid is lowered. One of the benefits of having this safe is that it allows the owner access to other USB ports as well, even after the safe is installed.

Another common type of safe is the small variety. While these safes are great for car use, they may not be as secure as one would want them to be. They have locks, which are easier to open when compared with the larger gun safes. Keeping a gun safe in a car requires a lock that is not easily manipulated. The best types of locks to consider are the mechanical ones. It reduces access by children or even robbers. While small gun safes could do with better locks, the bottom line is that no robber has enough time to cut through the lock as this would make noise and draw attention. The small safes safeguard against smash and grabs.

Some examples of gun safes

Some of the more popular gun safes for cars include:

· The Harley Vault

· The ShotLock 1911

· In Car Safe

· Console Vault

Installing a gun safe

Unlike other safes, a gun safe for a car does not require complicated installation. The safes are manufactured from high quality steel, which is not easy to cut through. They often come with a metal cable to attach them in the place of choice within the car. Once this cable is in place then the gun safe is ready for use. Other safes can be easily removed. This is important because it makes carrying the firearm easier as one can move the gun safe from one car to another. People who use public transport also tend to carry the same safes around for security as well. These safes should be kept out of eye view. Imagine how easy it would be for a robber to just take off with the safe.

The other common method is bolting the gun safe in the car in one’s place of choice. This can be done at the mechanic’s. It is a more permanent safe and should be installed in a nondescript location that only the firearm holder knows about.

Some gun safes are mountable, where one can attach and detach the safe onto or below a surface within the vehicle. Installation of these is not difficult as all one needs to do is mount the safe properly and in a hidden location.

Prime places to keep a gun safe in a car

Under the seat and in the trunk are the most common places to install a gun safe. The idea of a safe is that the gun should be out of sight and out of reach. However, it should not be too far away that one is unable to access it easily. If a gun is for protection, then keeping a gun safe in a car should not be misconstrued to mean making the gun altogether inaccessible to the owner. The other benefit of having a gun safe is that one can store other valuables in the safe without worrying that they might be stolen by robbers who specialize in breaking into cars. The only problem with these popular locations is just that. They are popular and are the first spots to look in for anyone who would like to steal a firearm.

Conclusion

Carrying a firearm is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Keeping a gun safe in a car is a commendable measure that shows the carrier also takes into consideration other persons who may use their vehicle or even thieves who may try to break in and steal a pistol alongside other valuables. The types of safes to choose from are a number and each comes with its own installation mode. While others require mounting, others may require bolting or clasping into place. The key is to read through the installation guide in order to get it right. Researching beforehand is also important as one is able to establish what type of security measure they would prefer. It also provides the opportunity to go through different options in the market in order to get the best for one’s car and pistol.

A wall safe will make it easier when hiding your valuables. The process of installing the safe is very easy provided you follow the right steps. Failure to follow the right steps you can end up installing the safe but thieves will cut it out and take with them. To avoid stress you should always follow the right procedure. You should first take your time and decide on the best safe which you can install. For example, you can install a safe which will be water proof or fire proof. If your house is more likely to be affected by floods, then a water proof safe will work well. The technology used to enhance security in the safe also matters. There are others which will use a pin code while in other safes you will use biometrics such as finger prints. Each technology will require your discipline for it to work well. Always try to make the pin a secret.

How to wall mount a safe

You will need to the following tools for you to install a wall safe: stud finder, pencil, measuring tape or ruler, level, power drill and a drywall saw.

1. Find the right location

You should look for a place where the safe will be less noticeable by intruders in the house. Avoid common traffic areas where people can easily access it. Remember the main aim of installing the safe is to prevent theft of your valuables. The safe will be more effective if you will install it in a wall where people will hardly notice it. The location should easily utilize the space between studs.

2. Locate your wall studs

You need to install the safe recessed inside the wall hence less noticeable. You can run a stud finder across your wall so that you will locate the studs in the location where you will like to install the safe. You can purchase the stud finder from your local store. If you do not have a stud finder, you can as well knock on the wall and listen to the sound produced. A hollow sound will indicate the position is between the studs but a solid sound will indicate a stud.

3. Mark your studs

Use a pencil to mark the studs. This is necessary because after you mark the studs you will know where to dig out the wall so that you will install the safe. The lines will make it easy for you to cut out the exact space where the safe will fit well.

4. Cut out a small square of space using a drywall saw

After you have located the space between the studs, then the next step is to cut out the wall and create room for the safe. Start by digging a small space where your hand can easily reach before you proceed to dig a bigger space. With a dry wall saw you will find it easy to cut the small space.

5. Check for electrical wiring or plumbing

After you have cut a small space where your hand can fit, then you need to use your hand and check whether there are any plumbing lines or electrical wires in the space where you have decided to have your safe installed. If you were the one who supervised the construction of your house, then you probably know where plumbing lines and electrical wire pass. But, if you are not sure, you should check first before you proceed. If there are any plumbing lines or electrical wires nearby, you should be careful not to cut them when digging out the space where the safe will be installed.

6. Measure the size of the safe and then the wall for you to cut enough space

In order to create room for your safe, you need to take measurements of the safe then measure the exact distance on the wall. You can mark the four corners where your safe will be placed. The top and the bottom corners should be parallel to the ground while the sides should be parallel to your studs. The holes should be adjacent to the studs so that you will attach the studs later. You should always measure correctly so that you will avoid ending up with uneven sized holes.

7. Cut along the marks to create a hole in the wall

With the help of a drywall, you can cut across the marks so that you will create the space required for the safe. You can start by cutting between the top lines then the bottom and then finally cut the four sides. This should create the squire. After you have cut all the corners, then you will be required to remove the cut piece from your wall. You should be careful when removing the piece to avoid injuring yourself if it will fall beforehand.

8. Slide your safe into the hole

The wall safe is made in such a way the door is the heaviest. This is due to the locking mechanism. You should hold it carefully to avoid accidents. The door should face you while the back faces the hole which you have dug. Gently place the safe in the dug hole and ensure it has fitted well.

9. Fix the safe to the studs

In order to secure the safe in position, you should drill through the holes provided on the side of the safe to the stud. Ensure to drill till the holes have gone deep enough to hold the screws firmly. After you have drilled enough, use the screws to have the safe firmly fixed to the wall. You should ensure the safe has been installed firmly to the wall so that you will be assured of great safety for your valuables which you will put in the safe.

10. Insert the shelves

The wall safe has well designed locations for the shelves to be placed. Always ensure you place the shelves in the desired locations. Always line them up correctly. Ensure the cutouts provided for door locking mechanism and hinges are facing the right direction.

Why there is a requirement of gun safe?
– If a burglar or trespasser gets into your house without a gun, there is a chance that he can steal your gun.
– If your gun is stolen it could be used for the wrong reasons. If any crime is done with it, then you will be in a trouble as it is under your license and you will be facing the charges.

An excellent way of keeping your gun safe from potential danger and invaders is by bolting down your gun and this is a big benefit. By hiding your gun in a gun safe you are ensuring a proper safety and an extra step for your own protection. A permanent and safe location should be selected for the gun safe that can be easily accessible at all times. This helps to keep your gun away from fire, thieves or any person who cannot be trusted.

Basements are generally damp which will create a humid environment and this place would be really bad for gun storage. This is because of the reason that this area is close to heating stoves and fireplaces are prone to more fluctuation in temperature. In case your home is in a flood prone area the higher the safe is positioned the better. Keeping it as far as possible from the kitchen eliminates the risk of fire as the kitchen is a common origin of fire. The master bedroom is also not a good place to keep your gun safe as it is usually the first place of the target of the burglar. So, here are the few steps of how to bolt a gun safe to the floor:

1. Path for gun safe entry

A good location for your gun safe is ruined if you can’t move your gun safe to that location. The weight of the safe is a vital factor while moving it into location as it can damage your home or injure anyone around. A major priority should be given to safety while fixing a gun safe. You have to make sure that you have sufficient manpower for the job and the area should be clear of children, pet or any non-essential thing. These factors could cause hindrance while moving the safe. Proper transportation is also important as the process should not damage your hardwood or ceramic tiles. This can be done by using plywood sheets, which can be laid on the path of the dolly.

2. Figuring it out the location for your gun safe

The first step would be to find a safe and secure location for your gun safe. The location should be such that it should be easily accessible during any kind of emergency. You have to be extra careful for the safety of your children because they are always curious and searching things here and there while playing. So it is advisable to select a location whose chances of getting accessed by your children are very less. Also make sure that before work begins the gun cabinet should be empty.

4. Floor examination

Check the material of your floor to which you will be bolting your gun safe. This check is very crucial as it decides the type of tools to be used depending on the floor material which can be concrete or wood. Also check if there are any rugs or carpets on the floor. If you have carpets on your floor use a stapler remover or the back side of your hammer to take out any staples that are pressing down your carpet. Now slightly peel the carpet off the floor to see and confirm the floor material. Once you know it follow the below instructions for respective material.

5. Installation Process

– Wood
The first step to be followed if your floor is wooden would be the removal of the floorboard and carpet. The process is the same as explained above by using a staple remover to remove your carpet and the hammer back side can be used to take out the nails on the floorboards. Now below the floorboards there will be a horizontal supporting beam called joist, which needs to be marked by the position of the bolts of the gun cabinet. Place the gun cabinet on the joists and mark the entry holes for the bolts inside the cabinet on the joist. Note that your cabinet should be empty while marking. For drilling purpose a variable speed drill of 5/6th inch can be used. After the holes have been drilled clean the drill holes properly of any debris and fix the gun cabinet with four wood lag bolts. After fixing the gun cabinet in the correct position put back the floorboard, a hacksaw would be needed to cut the floorboard so that it fits around the cabinet properly. Cut the carpet around that area using a pair of scissors and lay it back on the floor.

– Concrete
If your floor material is concrete, then use a black marker or a piece of chalk to mark the entry point for your bolt holes on the concrete surface. Drill holes using a hand drill of around 1 inch deep in the concrete floor for your bolt holes. Take four anchor sleeves, place them in the four holes and gently insert them inside the holes by using a rubber mallet. Position the cabinet on the four holes and secure the gun cabinet with the help of half-inch anchor bolts. A wrench can be used to tighten the bolts in the sleeve.

6. Finishing

Clean the dust, dirt or any other residue from the area with the help of a brush and dustpan. Firmly push the safe to see if it is properly secured in place and that it is not moving around. Take a look at the area to see if the floorboard seems loose in case of a wooden floor. After a proper visual inspection put the gun inside the cabinet and safely lock it.
These were the steps of how to bolt a gun safe to the floor. Your gun is now safe and secure in a permanent location.

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